Any changes or something new for up coming winter outtings

My hammock setup is also pretty well dialed in for our northern Wisconsin winters but I have embraced ground sleeping the last 2 years. I would say that hammocks still have my heart but when it is negative digits the hammock insulation is a lot of bulk.

This year I am going to try out a couple things: 1) Using a synthetic quilt over my down quilt. I like the reasoning for it so I am going to give it a try. 2) Using a Bivy. Not sure on this one because I just don’t have any experience but it sounds simple enough.

Not directly related but I am going to learn to ski with the intent of skiing out to sleep in the woods.

I plan to take my snowshoes to a small lake 1/2 mile from my house when we get a big snow dump, and see how much fun that can be. It’s something I can do on my way back from the grocery store.

Gary: don’t overlook XC skies. I like snowshoes, but for flattish or rolling terrain, much prefer to ski. Depending on conditions, hilly terrain is great too. Especially on an out and in, when I can ski back on my own tracks in fresh snow. On packed snow, skis are great if it’s not too icy. Of course, if there are a lot of obstacles, shoes can be better.

In right conditions, I can use my Nordic skis on backcountry terrain. They’re super light and glide/move really well. In right conditions! Otherwise, a light half edged ski is very good (Madshus, etc.).

Neither skis nor shoes are easy in fresh snow after a big dump ( 5 plus inches).

My goal is to simply get out there…after the last 18 months at home I just want to exercise/remember what skills I currently have. Looking forward to some beautiful cold days and nights hiking and sleeping in the woods.

“Neither skis nor shoes are easy in fresh snow after a big dump ( 5 plus inches).”

I don’t know, I feel so much lighter after a big dump, especially one that’s 5″ plus!

“I don’t know, I feel so much lighter after a big dump, especially one that’s 5″ plus!”

I still think skis would be better for getting out of your bathroom than snow shoes…after your dump.

JScott, I live on a flat acre of land east of Boulder, CO. When we get 5-10″ of a  snow dump I like to create a path around my property using snow shoes. 11 laps to the mile, which is a nice bit of exercise. I’ve tried using my XC skis a couple of times. As I have aged, I seem to have lost some of my balance, and the tight turns of my snow path are sometimes an issue. I hate to lose it and do a face plant, and getting back up is a a bit of a hassle. Snow shoes eliminate that. Like my pappy used to say when I was a kid, “getting old is a bitch.” But I guess it’s better than the other option…

I’m trying to get my winter bed in order.

After trying a mummy bag last winter that I didn’t like, and a summer quilt for the first time that I did like, I’m putting some thought into how I can own just 2-3 bags/quilts to cover temps from 60F – 0F, layering them in winter when necessary.

I realize this isn’t the Gear forum, but if anyone has advice on this I would love to hear it…

I currently have a 50F synthetic quilt (homemade, 10 years old) and a 30F down quilt (REI Magma). I’m not wedded to either, but would make them work if it made sense long-term. The missing piece is something I can layer with those or use standalone for winter. After not liking a mummy due to the hood, I’m looking at a hoodless 3/4-zip like the Nunatak 3D, EE Conundrum, or zipperless FF Tanager. Obviously I would size them appropriately and wear head insulation.

So, do I:

1. Buy a Tanager to use standalone in the 20’s, layered under the 50F and/or the 30F when necessary; or

2. Buy a 10F or 0F degree bag, layer under the 50F when necessary; or

3. Something else entirely??

I love winter!